MAYOR BLOOMBERG DELIVERS REMARKS AT 30th ANNUAL PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS (PFLAG) NEW YORK CITY AWARDS DINNER

The following are Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at Tribeca Rooftop:

"Thank you, Drew, and good evening everyone.

"It's great to be here for the 30th anniversary of
PFLAG's New York City Awards Dinner - thirty years of making a difference and
brightening the futures of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender New Yorkers.
And for that, I must give a big thanks to the incredible leadership of Drew and
Suzanne Ramos and Phyllis Steinberg.

"So tonight's anniversary is a celebratory moment, and
yet it also couldn't be a more timely or essential moment. There are more than 1
million children in this city - and each of them deserves our love. Each of them
is different - and each of them is born perfect. All are equal under God's eyes
and the eyes of the law.

"As the father of two daughters, I know that when we
bring a child into the world or into our home, we do so with the certainty that
nothing is as powerful as a parent's love and with the hope that we can protect
them from everything.

"No doubt, there are times when that belief is
challenged: the first time your son lets go of your hand at a crosswalk, for
instance, or the first time your daughter comes home in tears. At some point,
we've all questioned whether a kiss on the forehead is enough to keep our
children safe through the day. And I know the recent rash of terrible,
homophobic incidents - here in our city, and all over the country - has caused
you to hold your children a little tighter.

"Let me be clear, these incidents are completely
unacceptable. They're intolerable in a city in which tolerance is what defines
us. They're unacceptable in a city in which embracing our differences is what
makes us strong. Because when any New Yorker is attacked because of who they are
or who they love - the fabric that binds us together is torn. That's why these
attacks are attacks on us all - and why they can never, ever be allowed.
Especially when it comes to our kids.

"To those who have been the target of bullying and bias,
whether you happen to be in this room or in any neighborhood in the city, I say
this: this great city stands with you. We believe in you. We want you here. We
will do anything in our power to keep you safe. And we will do everything in our
power to punish those who dare threaten the well being of our citizens.

"As I said over the weekend, the perpetrators of the
abuse and torture in the Bronx will be spared no mercy. At the same time, we
will continue - with the help of PFLAG - reinforcing in our public schools what
is the most comprehensive anti-bullying policy of its kind in the nation.
Because building a city of honesty and respect and civility begins with our
children.

"This city's greatest strength has always been its
diversity and openness. There are moments when that is challenged, when some
argue for closing, rather than opening doors - for closing, rather than
opening our hearts.

"But I am confident that will never happen, in part
because of your energy and advocacy. And clearly, as we note on this night of
celebration, that good work is needed now, more than ever before.

"So let me close by saying that our city - and our
nation - have come a long way, but our journey is not yet complete. I wish for
you the same thing I wish for any parent in this city: the joy of seeing your
son or daughter fall in love, the joy of walking your son or daughter down the
aisle on the most important day of their lives. Government should not be in the
business of telling anyone whom he or she can and cannot love. And believe me, I
will fight with you every single day to make that a reality. Good night, and God
bless."